If the turrets match the reticle, it is still a big plus! Sfp scopes still have there high points, such as a thinner reticle on the highest settings. But are definitely not for me. I have to worry about to many other things, other than trying to remember what my scope is set on, and the proper math to make the correction.

If all your shooting is done on a "square range", most likely a SFP scope will do you well. But in my humble opinion, FFP scopes allow for a much more dynamic use of the reticle, with less mental gymnastics!

thank you for the warm welcome. will you take a look at a link to a scope for me? It is the subject of my curiosity. At the moment I'm looking at a better budget scope to replace my BSA 4-14x44 FFP MRAD scope,and this one has HD glass (I asked to confirm that) and the price is in my range (No S&B or USOPtics yet).

I would stay with your BSA. A friend of mine has run one of those pretty hard, and never had a any problems. Switching to another low-price high option Chinese scope is going sideways or even maybe backwards. The hardest part for most of these scopes, as bad as the glass IS, is the ability of the turrets to track reliably with consistency. In my experience (one scope, and it belongs to somebody else. But he happens to shoot competitively in several disciplines.) the BSA tracks well.

As a sidenote this forum is sponsored by SWFA. They sell optics, and links to other retailers are not allowed!

First, I apologize to the forum for my faux pas in posting that link. That was pretty bad form on my part.

Thank you for the advice regarding the BSA. At least I know BSA honors it's limited lifetime warranty; it's a known brand.

I'd read up on SWFA scopes (meeting MIL-Spec requirements, etc) , and watched videos of it's products. I see it has a 3-15x42mm scope that might be worth me trying to save a little longer for. I'll also watch the bargain list on it's site.

Rancid, I am not afraid, nor deterred by the possibility of addiction to a SWFA SS scope. If you don't mind the pun, I drank the "Coolaid"! In fact, before the email chime announced new mail (I saw your reply) I've been spending my morning pouring over information (video reviews, etc) of the SS fixed-mag scopes. Since I'll be punching paper I'm leaning towards the 20x42:http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-20x42-Tactical-Riflescope-P53716.aspx But I'm in a bit of a quandary because in looking at the specs, I see that the 16x42 has a larger exit pupil, and on the 10x (MQ) it's larger still. Aslo, I can't fathom why they're priced the same ($299.00) Maybe I should call to find out, but if you happen to know this, please sock me with some knowledge.

I look forward to moving stepping up from my BSA, love it as I do for what it is as a mid-tier budget scope (IMO).

thanks!

Flyby out

PS just for punching paper, I think the narrower field of view with the 20x at 100 yards won't be an issue for me.

well, the least I can do is to support the SWFA and buy a scope. It happens (really!) that it offers some interesting scopes within my price range, Not HD, but the CLassic glass. From what I've read of them, that won't be an issue for a plinker\part time competitor like me. Who knows, I might just win a match!!

SS3-9x! and here I thought I was pulling on my big-boy pants by considering a fixed-X scope. It's Hell playing catch-up! Can drive a shooter nuts!

No matter. I'm still glad to be here, and very appreciative of the helpful answers I've received to my post. Now to make a decision. Since I have to first run an errand, I'll have time to think about it. I will say I'm still waiting on an answer from Sky as to why the SS Classics 10, 16 and 20 all cost the same. It's curious and unusual pricing practice, in my view.

Another SWFA SS3-9x42 fan here, and I have the older model. I also have the SS3-15X42 which I also love, but I think I prefer the 3-9. I can't put my finger on it, but it may be the lack of a paralax adjustment that I like. I think it's just something less to worry about when going from one distance to another.

A democracy is 2 wolves and a sheep voting on what's for lunch. A republic is a well armed sheep disputing the results.--Benjamin Franklin

BF, so far no one has chimed in to say "DON'T DO IT!!" Only examples of satisfaction. Needless to say, that's a real confidence-booster. I've got the 20x in my cart now. Just waiting for a coupon code or a big holiday sale. Are there such things?

Another SWFA SS3-9x42 fan here, and I have the older model. I also have the SS3-15X42 which I also love, but I think I prefer the 3-9. I can't put my finger on it, but it may be the lack of a paralax adjustment that I like. I think it's just something less to worry about when going from one distance to another.

Since I'm looking at a 20x scope what can I look forward to with regard to varying shooting distances? I've never owned a non-AO scope before. One good laser range finder, and I'm good. Right? Also, how accurate is the ranging on these variable-X scopes?

Ranging is only as accurate as the shooter can make it be. It is very difficult to range accurately with a reticle. You have to know the exact size of the target and have to measure very accurately with the reticle on the target. Laser range finder is much easier.

Non AO scope? That scope does have a parallax adjustment it is just on the rear of the scope by the eye piece.

I would pick 16x or 12x or 10x before the 20x. That is a lot of magnification, and has many downsides.

They are fixed power scopes. Based on your last sentence it sounds like you believe they are variable mag scopes.

Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

Well troops, in for a penny in for a pound (British Sterling pound). I ordered the 20x before I saw your posts to the contrary. No fear. The guys I shoot with in the semi-formal bench competitions use scopes of higher X.

Also I need to correct myself about AO scopes. I should have spoken of variable-magnification scopes, as I was aware that parallax could be adjusted on fixed magnification scopes. Thank you for pointing that out. <NOOB!!!!

order update: It turns out that Skylar @ SWFA was able to get to my order in time to change it to the 16X42MQ. Also I did some searches and found it will do fine your my use. The scope is on back-order, and expected to be available by June 9 (should I have asked what year? LOL!!)

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